Search - Dream Theater :: Hollow Years

This EP-length single features some great rare songs.

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 08/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm assuming that if you're checking this particular item out on Amazon.com, then you're already a Dream Theater fan, and probably a serious one at that. The Hollow Years Japanese import single is a nice treat for the die-hard Dream Theater fan. I'll try to give you an idea of what you get with this single (which is actually closer in length to an EP):



Tracks 1 and 2 are the radio edit and LP version of Hollow Years, one of the better songs from Falling Into Infinity.

Track 3 is the demo version of the Falling Into Infinity song You Not Me, titled You or Me. This is a nice surprise. I never really warmed up to You Not Me in its official version. There was just something about it, particularly the chorus, that didn't sit well with me. The demo version presented here is a big improvement. The song just seems to flow together much better.

Track 4 is a song called The Way It Used To Be. This is an incredible track. It's probably one of DT's more pop/rock-influenced songs (if you can call a nearly 8 minute song with lots of progressive elements a pop/rock song), and for some reason it reminds me of a U2 song. It's very upbeat and melodic, while remaining a good hard rocker. At any rate, it remains one of my favorite DT tracks, and definitely my favorite on this album.

Track 5 is a live version of Burning My Soul. To be honest, this one really doesn't add much to the disc. It's another of the Falling Into Infinity tracks that just don't seem to work. It is a good live recording though, so if you enjoy the song you probably will want to check this out.

The final track is an excellent live version of Another Hand/the Killing Hand, one of the very first epic Dream Theater songs from When Dream and Day Unite. I've always liked this song, especially when James LaBrie (who joined DT after it was released) sings it. It's heavy, progressive, epic, and a great example of what Dream Theater is all about.



Overall I have to give this disc a pretty high rating. In my opinion, The Way It Used To Be and Another Hand/the Killing Hand are more than worth the price of this import. I'd recommend it to all die-hard Dream Theater fans, though casual fans might not get enough out of this disc to make it worth the high price tag."

Come-on... It's DT

Gary A Latuscha | Farmington, Maine USA | 08/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now we can praise Dream Theater for releasing another cool, lightly flavored Single/Import, but it is better to only comment of all of the extras that they are known for throwing in. The live material is hands down some of the better stuff on the mix, but then to throw in the traditional non-LP and Demo tracks is a plus. This is one of the better imports I have, for it's diversity alone. Dream Theater will forever be the musical wonders they are hyped up to be. Later...."

The following review is only for the song "Hollow Years"

Musicman | egg. | 06/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ah! It's nice to hear a classical guitar on the radio. If this song gets any radioplay, I might add. No, Dream Theater have not "sold out," in case metal fans may wonder "What's this?" No, Listen to Metroplis Part 2 and you'll know they haven't. The singer defintely has imroved on this song. Very nice bass work! I'm impressed!"